I'm looking into get an E-series Ford van from '87 and was curious as to what is the towing capacity of the van. I haven't been able to find this anywhere online, except that 2006 models can tow from 6.2k to 10k pounds. Any rough estimates would be fine.

Thanks in advance.

 

My '87 E150 302 is labelled as GVWR 6500lb.

302 or 351W engine? 3 sp non-OD C6 tranny?

With a 302 there's only so much weight you'd WANT to pull, even if the drive train and brakes can handle it.

 

well is it a 1/2 , 3/4 or 1 ton van? you will not be able to come close to the new ratings of 6.5-10k

 

I do know it's an E-150 but I'm not sure of the tranny or engine. Do you happen to know what the E-150 can pull with the worst engine/tranny?

Why do you say I there's only so much I'd want to pull with a 302?

I'm looking to use it for pulling a trailer with a car.

 

> Do you happen to know what the E-150 can pull with the worst engine/tranny?

2k-3k.

> I'm looking to use it for pulling a trailer with a car.

At the min. you would want a 351w and the best option would be a 460. Towing the 460 probably would get much better gas mileage then the 351w anyway.

 

Because a 302 is not big on HP. If it's old and has things in need of repair, it can be pretty marginal. With a lot of weight, and a trailer/car probably qualifies, you may find yourself unable to keep up in town or on the highway or manage on-ramps and hills. This is not a situation you want to be in, even if the drivetrain and brakes are rated for the load.

Me, my '87 E150 302 initially could barely haul itself up hills. The condition of the vehicle makes quite a difference in the actual towing capability. New timing chain, sensors, plugs, fixed vac leaks, etc and it hauls around 1000 lbs of trailer weight pretty well on the highway, I'd be happy hauling that weight state-to-state and hitting on-ramps. Dunno about double or triple that weight.

 

Okay, thanks for all the info. I did just find out it's a 4.9L. Does this means it's the 302? The van is in fairly good condition and has a new tranny.

 

No, it means it is the I-6 (inline) 300 CID.

 

Sorry, I must dissagree. A 460 will get ~10mpg loaded or unloaded. A 351w will get ~15~16 unloaded and 10~12 towing. I know I've owned both. The 460 tows better (more toruqe), but the 351w did fine as well.

 

I thought my 4.9 towed better than the 302. I never towed with the 351 so I can't compare it. We did have a 460 in a walk in that would tow most anything. But gas was about 5 mpg tops.

 

Horsepower wise the 300 six is a gutless turd, so it's not going to win any stoplight confrontations, but inline engines are very good at making torque, so it should do a decent job of towing the weight....as long as you're not in any hurry to get there.

If it's in good running condition it will get better economy than any of the gas V-8's.

The van body and a loaded car trailer will put a lot of stress on the half ton drive train, you might consider an E-250 or 350 with a diesel.

 

Same here... If towing is a priority, I'd seriously consider a 250 at least for the heavier chassis and brakes. Plus, with some luck, you might find one already set up with trailer brakes.

 

Thanks for all the help. You've really helped me out on this.

 

The brakes on an e-150 wear really fast, they would probably not be adequate.

 

I have a 1990 e150 and it has the 5.8 motor and I tow a 20foot boat with no problem, if that gives you any idea